Game of the Week: A Tale of Two Different Farm Systems

Behind every great organization is an even better farm system. A franchise’s farm system is the nucleus to creating a successful and competitive sports dynasty. Because of this, we often see scouts for prominent teams visit all different corners of the earth to search for that next big star. Some international prospects, such as Cuban phenom Jose Abreu, pan out to be absolute studs, while others, such as former Japanese superstar Daisuke Matsuzaka, are paid upwards of $100 million and do close to nothing in the MLB. That being said, the Red Sox and Yankees, at this point, at least, are in very different positions in regards to their farm systems at the start of the 2015 season.

The New York Yankees are in a whole world of trouble throughout their entire franchise at the start of this season. GM Brian Cashman has dished out mega contracts to aging superstars while failing to build from within. As it stands, the Yankees are probably a middle of the pack team in regards to their farm system. For the big league team, this is a bridge year for the Bronx Bombers. They have several questions in their starting rotation in regards to the health of CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka, while having to replace Derek Jeter, Ichiro Suzuki, and their bullpen. In my opinion, this will prove to be the achilles heel ultimately for this Yankee team. For the Yankees to be successful in the future, their prospects have to stay healthy and continue to improve. This may sound like an arbitrary answer, but prospects such as Mason Williams and Tyler Austin, who were once highly touted, have dropped out of the limelight because of their inability to continue to develop and stay off of the DL. While the Yankees have righty hurler Louis Severino waiting to get his shot with the big team, many Yankee fans will be disappointed with the mediocrity of this team in the 2015 season. However, they could get a glimpse of the future with so many unknown and unmanned positions for the 2015 season. With the Yankees missing out on Jon Lester and Max Scherzer, look for Brian Cashman to be a busy man in the next 12 months.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we have the Boston Red Sox. Ranked #2 in Baseball America, the Red Sox farm system is one of the deepest I have ever seen. Since the early 2000’s, the Red Sox have continually have had one of the best farm systems in baseball. Whether they bring up the multitude of pieces they develop or package them in a mega trade, such as the acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez in 2010-2011, the Red Sox have learned through trial and error on how to deal with their prospects However, for the Red Sox, it looks like most of their top prospects are here to stay by all accounts. Even though they are in desperate need of a front end of the rotation starting pitcher, they refused to give into Phillies GM Rubén Amaro, Jr. demands of a package centered around Mookie Betts, Blake Swihart or Henry Owens for their ace, Cole Hamelsover the summer. Swihart could be up with the big league team by June if he develops more command behind the plate, while Rusney Castillo could man right field if the Red Sox are able to find a suitor for Shane Victorino. Yoan Moncada has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation type of player, but will likely take a few years to develop until he is in Boston. All in all, the Red Sox look to be poised to compete for years to come because of their deep farm system.

Pete has lived in the Boston area his entire life. He grew up going to Fenway Park and watching the Red Sox. He is currently attending Boston University and is majoring in sports journalism. Once he graduates, he plans on entering the Army. He is also the owner of Biased Boston Sports, which covers the four major sports in the city. His main strength is current major league talent and highly regarded prospects. You can follow him @Pete_BBS